San Antonio Spurs Ex Drew Eubanks at Center of Tampering Investigation

The NBA levied a serious consequence on the Phoenix Suns for their acquisition of former San Antonio Spurs center Drew Eubanks.

In the summer of 2018, the San Antonio Spurs signed undrafted free agent Drew Eubanks to a two-way deal. He played well enough in Austin over the next two seasons and earned a backup center role heading into 2020 for the main squad.

Since then, he has established himself as a bench player, spending time with San Antonio, Portland, and recently signed a multi-year deal with the Suns. In five seasons, he has posted averages of 6.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks. Not a league leader, but decent enough to remain employed.

Eubanks (right) scored 17 points in his best game with the Spurs / © Soobum Im, USA TODAY

This offseason, he signed a two-year, five-million-dollar contract. That is by far the most money he’s made in the NBA, and he was signed largely to replace another former Spur, Jock Landale, on the Suns’ roster.

The only issue is, the Suns tampered to get him. Perhaps unknowingly, the Suns met with Eubanks to discuss his contract and role before the free-agency period opened up. As a result, they have forfeited a 2024 second-round pick via Denver.

Tampering is a somewhat rare occurrence, and almost always hits headlines as it happens. But over Drew Eubanks? He was an undrafted free agent, meaning the Spurs initially thought he was worth less than a second-round pick.

Since his debut, he’s proven to be one of the better unsigned free agents in the league, but that’s not saying much.

Sure, Eubanks is one of the best players in the world, but he’s barely an NBA talent. Definitely worth having as a bench player, but not worth breaking the rules over. The Suns only have six picks between now and 2030, regardless of round, and they just gave one up for Eubanks.

Maybe he’ll break out and show that he’s worth it.